Great idea k.a.m. Same thing happens to my smaller pit that has a uninsulated firebox. Thing can REALLY be dangerous if someone gets too close and when little ones are running around, I'm always on watch. The larger pit, which has a insulated firebox still gets pretty warm and will burn to the touch too. I use them both as a place to preheat my logs before adding them to the firebox (I'm guessing you do somewhat the same). They ignite almost in a instant even though they are still holding just a bit of moisture. I'll be checking McMaster Carr to see if they have something like what you are using.

I had time this afternoon to start the grill it will pretty much mirror the grill on Bahama Mama.My son found me a piece of 20" pipe about 4' 6" long so I cut it down to 36".A good clean tip and a way we go I am glad I still have a steady hand.

I measured out my height and built a skid for the grill to rest in. This will allow me to place it over the cross member where I need it.

I had some time to get the caps welded out on the grill marked out my 12,3,6,9 and marked out the door.I tried something new on my cuts to see if it would slow the spring.

The door marked out. Instead of cutting 1" below 3:00 I made my cut at 3:00 to give me a bit more grate height from my coals.

I have seen this approach cutting a door a couple of times with mixed reviews so I decided to try it and add my own thoughts. I cut the verticals and then far enough back to put my straps on.

Then I welded on the straps. Once they cooled down I cut from the center on the horizontal lines to about 2" from my previous cuts stopping there to let the door cool before completing them. I did not see any movement in the door doing this and as of now the sides are still down. When I make the final four cuts we will see if it worked.

All I can say is....wow!! Super great job!! Best "boat trailer smoker" I've ever seen. Obviously your a talented fabricator, extreme attention to detail. Staying the course and you have an amazing little rig. Great job!!

You know, now a paint job would just really finish this off nice, and yer shape gives you all kinds of neat opportunities to get creative. I could easy see it painted like a pig with that clover vent in the snout; a bulldog would come off real good too. And it's just screams out to be painted up to look like a beer keg or a beer can.

VHT makes all kinda high temp primers and paints that are good for 1400-2000 degress (I've used the clear sealer, and it holds up on my firebox fine) and HALLELUJAH! They are now selling it in quarts instead of just rattle cans !!! Just saw this when I was looking up the link fer you. I may have to gear up for a renovation to my Rosebud this fall...